Is League Less of a Tower game now, or Whoever has Dragon? (Stacked up Against the Little Guy)

Podge·Nov 20, 2014·2 votes·1,091 views

I am very concerned about dragon buff. Now, I am in no position to be criticizing League gameplay, due to the fact I am not a highly skilled player. But, regardless I am concerned about how much dragon buff does. It feels like dragon is set up so that the first team that gets it. Wins the game, basically. With the way PRE5 is set up, I noticed that (or it appears that) there are no "redeeming" opportunities if a team falls behind. I say this due to the fact that split-pushing has been nerfed. So, in certain cases if a team's mid laner gets fed early, helps their team get dragon. They have an advantage that the team lacking dragon does not (obviously).

Basically, the current state feels like it didn't make dragon an objective that fits in with the rest, and more of a control for dragon. Because, all the team w/ dragon has to do is ward dragon, wait for the enemy team to attempt to take it. Then boom, steal it with their +8% buff advantage, and then they have two dragons. This cycle goes on.

Now, as I have said I am in no way an expert on gameplay. I am merely someone telling my experience (neither me or my trusted duo-partner have one a single game since PRE5 has been enacted). Maybe I am just not experienced enough with league to find counter play. Maybe this whole change in gameplay will force me to understand objectives better. Maybe that is what the whole idea is. All I am asking, is simply: Help. Either be someone who can empathize and say "oh yeah this is pretty dumb" so I don't feel crazy. Or if you feel so inclined, give me tips on how to play with this new gameplay element.

Thank you.

P.S. To that one Garen, Screw you I was out of range.

11 Comments

BrothaNov 20, 20143 votes

It motivates players in the support role to buy and use their sweepers to set up the area for ~~drake~~ dragon. Junglers will be expected to do this as well to ensure secure dragons. It motivates team mates to communicate and work together. Of course this is League, but I have faith people will learn and adapt to it. As for people Auto winning dragon due to stacked buffs, I just lost a game where we had 3 dragons v 2 dragons on enemy team, both of which they got after landing catches on team mates in the late game. I personally feel drake is a balanced and fun addition.

PodgeNov 20, 20141 votes

So, it adds an incentive for teamwork? I see that, and I also have faith people will adapt. Hopefully, it just needs more time for me and my usual teammates who I get matched with.

Also, thank you for your contribution to the conversation!

Final Remnant Nov 20, 20141 votes

FINALLY someone who agrees with me I've been complaining about the new dragon buff system for a bit and I felt like I nobody else felt the way I do but yes I wholeheartedly agree that I do not approve or like the new dragon system at all!!!!

PodgeNov 20, 20141 votes

What don't you like about it exactly? Did I say it? If so, explain. If not, please elaborate.

Final Remnant Nov 20, 20141 votes

You hit the nail right on the head with explaining how whoever gets dragon first wins the game because that was exactly my argument as well. I literally said the exact same concerns that you did so it's nice to know that someone else feels the same way about dragon as I do.

PodgeNov 20, 20142 votes

Well I am glad we are on the same page. I just hope that a Rioter weighs in so I, nay, We can get some clarity as to how the Dragon buff is supposed to be utilized in the upcoming season.

XonraNov 20, 20141 votes

You hit the nail right on the head with explaining how whoever gets dragon first wins the game because that was exactly my argument as well. I literally said the exact same concerns that you did so it's nice to know that someone else feels the same way about dragon as I do.

This couldn't be further from the truth. It is far from "whoever gets dragon first wins the game". I'm not sure what about it makes you feel that way. I'm being honest here, not trash talking. I'm legit curious.

PodgeNov 20, 20141 votes

I cannot speak for samuraiheart, but I personally felt that whoever got dragon in the early game was the team with more items, then all they have to do is ward dragon, when the other (dragonless) team tries to take it. They can steal it thus gaining more buffs only further pushing the team behind.

However, as I read more about dragon and also attempt to understand the plan rioters have for our beloved moba. I start to understand how dragon is less of an OP buff, and more of a tool that, when used properly, can bring a team back in as opposed to push them back. It all depends on how the losing team deals with it. That is how I have come to understand it anyway.

XonraNov 20, 20141 votes

None of your options in your poll were good because they were all "it is great!" or "change it!" :p It is fine, but too early to really tell.

The first two buffs are decent yes but not game changing, but the time you get to the third it can help but not as impactful if it isn't earlyish. You will pretty much never get to 5 and have to have a good communicating or dumb enemy team to even get to 4.

Nothing to stress over at the moment.

Kuroi86Nov 20, 20141 votes

The buff is good, and if your team is snowballing it can be a good way to secure your snowball. But on the flip side, going for Drag can leave openings for the enemy team to take Baron or a tower which means more gold for them. There is a trade off.

PodgeNov 20, 20141 votes

Hmm, I am not sure I am quite grasping the full idea of the trade. Mainly because I feel that Dragon is the bigger objective (maybe because of my ranking). But, I have no doubt that in higher levels of play there are trade offs for dragon. However, there is probably going to take some time for the lower levels of skill to learn this trade off and/or how dragon works in general.

Thanks for the contribution!